Mayor Thompson receives Region Strong Award

On the evening of Tuesday, May 21, at the Olde Church Events Center in Cumberland Gap, TN., Barbourville Mayor David Thompson received a Region Strong Award from the Cumberland Gap Regional Tourism Association. The Board is made up of 23 members from across ten counties in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The mission of the Cumberland Gap Tourism Association is “Making history, beauty, music, art, adventure, and the Appalachian experience come alive by making the Cumberland Gap Region a ‘vacation destination’ that tourists will drive to; not drive through.”

Director Carl Nichols had this to say about Mayor Thompson: “Mayor Thompson has a unique hands-on approach to city management. At every event held in his town, he has an incredible commitment to rolling up his sleeves and working to make Barbourville a frequent weekend stop for locals, as well as visitors from across the county. During city events, not only does he play the role of mayor, he also serves as a tour guide showing visitors sites of interest. During meetings we have had with him, he serves our food and drinks like a professional server. After the meetings he tells us to have a safe trip while he clears tables, washes dishes, and stores leftovers. These acts of humility demonstrate his commitment to making visitors feel welcome and anxious to return. Not only is he the mayor, he is the town’s ambassador, tour guide, promoter, volunteer, and is totally accessible while he leads by example.”

Attending the event from Barbourville were Mayor Thompson, Tourism Director Marcia Dixon, and Tourism members Claudia Greenwood and Tammy Lawson.